Pitkin County Launches New Program to Pave Colorado Roads with Asphalt Made from Recycled Plastic

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Pitkin County announces the launch of a groundbreaking new diversion program aimed at recycling 25 tons of plastic film annually. In an effort with local municipalities, this innovative program will help address both plastic waste and infrastructure needs by using recycled plastic film to replace virgin polymers in asphalt mixtures.

The asphalt, made with the diverted plastic film, will be used to pave roads throughout Colorado, reducing the need for raw materials and helping to close the loop on plastic waste. Plastic film, which includes grocery bags, bubble wrap, trash bags, bread bags, and other soft plastics, is notoriously difficult to recycle through traditional methods. This new program provides an eco-friendly solution that repurposes these materials for long-lasting and sustainable road construction.

“This is an exciting step forward for Pitkin County as we continue to explore creative ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability,” said Cathy Hall, Pitkin County Solid Waste Director. “By diverting plastic film from the landfill and putting it to good use in road paving projects, we’re not only helping the environment but also contributing to more durable infrastructure for Colorado.”

The pilot phase of the program will see plastic film collected from local drop-off locations located at Aspen City Hall and at the Pitkin County Solid Waste Center.  The County is partnering with Driven Plastics in Pueblo, Colorado who will sort and process the plastic film before mixing into the asphalt. By replacing virgin polymers with recycled plastic film, the County expects to reduce carbon emissions while improving the resilience of Colorado’s roads.

Pitkin County aims to divert at least 25 tons of plastic film from the landfill annually. This effort supports the County’s broader initiative to achieve a 50% waste diversion rate by 2030, positioning Pitkin County as a leader in sustainability and environmental innovation.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com